Former Manchester United midfielder Angel Gomes has spoken out on the pressure of playing for a club like United.
The academy product started his youth career at Carrington at just six years old and made his Old Trafford debut as a 16 year old in 2017.
Nonetheless, he failed to agree a new contract at the club and left as a free agent in 2020. He signed a deal with French club LOSC Lille, where he played 134 games before moving to Olympique de Marseille this summer.
The Red Devils had been linked with a move for their former player, as were Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United but he finally decided to remain in France for the time being.
Speaking to BBC Sport, he opened up on the pressures of playing for a club like Man United.
Asked on whether some former United players have benefitted from leaving Old Trafford he commented, “I think some do. Players may have been intimidated or not really know about the weight, what it carries and what it takes.”
He elaborated, “but ultimately, sometimes, it’s down to environment, timing and having the right things in place to help you.” Gomes also argued that players’ lack of success at the club was not always a “black and white” issue and could be down to numerous factors.
Gomes also claimed that it was a tough decision to leave United and stated, “it was obviously a difficult process because there are a lot of things that pull you towards staying. But then you have to think about what is right for your career. There were a lot of things I sacrificed.”
He claimed it was “difficult” leaving England but it was also a “refreshing” experience.
The 24 year old also touched on his height and how he feels he always has to defend this aspect of his game.
Standing at just 167cm tall, Gomes stands out in an era of physically imposing midfielders. Commenting on this he added, “it’s difficult because I feel like it’s something I have had to explain since I was young – I have had to rely on different strengths.”
“I’m technical, I like to be on the ball, dictate, help in all areas of the pitch, receive the ball in any area”. He also added that he can play any position in the midfield and wants to emulate former diminutive midfielders like Paul Scholes and Deco.
Finally, he revealed his World Cup ambitions for England. He was selected in Lee Carsley’s squad for the 2024 Nations League but he is yet to feature under new boss Thomas Tuchel.
When asked about his future with the national side he stated, “I’ve not managed to get into the squad [under Tuchel] yet but it’s something I will try hard to do. The World Cup is the aim. The pinnacle. That’s an aim of mine and I know what needs to be done to get me there.”
Feature image by Adrien Dennis via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
